Microplastics may accelerate atherosclerosis in male mice.
Microplastics may worsen artery-clogging in male mice, new study finds.
Why it matters
- Study suggests microplastics may accelerate atherosclerosis, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
- Microplastics are ubiquitous in our environment.
- Findings highlight potential sex-specific effects of microplastics.
By the numbers
- Male mice showed 63% increase in plaque buildup in aortic root and 624% increase in brachiocephalic artery.
- Daily dosage: 10 mg/kg body weight for 9 weeks.
- Harmful effects seen only in male mice.
The big picture
- Microplastics found in food, water, air, and human body.
- Recent human studies link higher microplastics levels to increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- Study suggests microplastics may directly contribute to cardiovascular disease.
What they're saying
- Lead researcher notes sex-specific effect could reveal protective factors.
- Comments express concerns about reducing microplastics and long-term ecological impacts.
- One comment highlights high dosage in study compared to human exposure.
Caveats
- Study conducted on mice, not humans.
- Dosage higher than typical human exposure.
- Mechanism of microplastics' effect on cardiovascular health not yet known.
What’s next
- More research needed on male vulnerability and different microplastic types.
- Studies on molecular mechanisms behind endothelial dysfunction planned.
- Urgency to understand health impacts as microplastic pollution rises.